section name header

Pronunciation

met-FOR-min

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antidiabetics

Pharmacologic Classification: biguanides

Indications

REMS


Action

  • Decreases hepatic glucose production.
  • Decreases intestinal glucose absorption.
  • Increases sensitivity to insulin.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Maintenance of blood glucose.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: 50–60% absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Extensively distributed to tissues.

Metabolism/Excretion: Eliminated almost entirely unchanged by the kidneys.

Half-Life: 17.6 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
PO-IRunknownunknown12 hr
PO-ERunknown4–8 hr24 hr





Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

F and E: LACTIC ACIDOSIS

GI: abdominal bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unpleasant metallic taste

Hemat: vitamin B12 levels

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Riomet, Riomet ER

Canadian Brand Names

Glucophage

Pill Image

MetforminHCl_195-8795.jpg